Cherokee Trail High School
25901 E Arapahoe Rd, Aurora, CO 80016
Fairfield Inn & Suites Denver / Aurora
24192 E Prospect Ave, Aurora District, CO
$119.00/night Group Rate
Sunday, March 1st, 2026
Classes 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029
All Golden Hour participants should plan to arrive midday on Saturday. Check-in could be as early as 4pm.
All other participants can arrive anytime on Saturday. We will have check-in at the hotel on Saturday evening and at the venue on Sunday morning.
Katie was brought up in Colorado and developed a deep love and passion for dance while training in the studio and as a member of her high school dance team. She later earned a scholarship as a member of the University of Tennessee dance team, where her team won their first Universal Dance Association National Championship in 2007 in the jazz category. Katie has an impressive choreography portfolio that includes multiple National championship routines for high school and college teams across the nation in Jazz and Pom dance styles. Some of her routines were even featured on UDA’s ESPN show. Recent College national championship routines include The University of Tennessee 2020 Division 1A pom national championship and Kansas State University Division 1A DTU Pom National Championships the last 3 years. Currently, Katie is passionate about promoting safe strength and stretch practices for dancers of all ages. She is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique and is currently working towards her mUv method and Pilates certifications.
A one-day event gives dancers a quick yet powerful opportunity to connect with college coaches, practice audition techniques, and receive targeted feedback without the full commitment of a multi-day event. It allows dancers to gauge their readiness, get a feel for the college dance recruitment environment, and build confidence. For those attending the two-day summit, the one-day experience can also serve as a warm-up, enhancing their performance in the more intensive main event!
Dance team recruiters benefit from attending the Sharpen Up Pop-Up Summits by connecting directly with a large pool of motivated dancers, observing their skills in action, and identifying potential recruits who are ready to take on the collegiate level. This event streamlines the recruitment process, allowing coaches to interact with dancers in a focused setting, provide feedback, and build relationships with dancers interested in their programs. It’s an efficient way to scout talent and promote their teams in a concentrated timeframe.
Parent, coach or studio director of a high school dancer? YOU are a critical part of your dancer’s support system! Get insight and connection so you can walk beside your dancer confidently. Don’t just observe, leave empowered with knowledge!
Understand the origins and terminology of college dance teams and what makes them different from high school and studio experience; learn about the current college dance team landscape, myths and misconceptions; and where the greatest scholarship opportunities with dance team are found.
Will help you understand the new NDCA Common Recruiting Video, understand what it is (and isn’t!), how to guide your dancer through filming, and how coaches are using it to simplify recruitment prep.
Will take a deeper dive on how to manage stress, maintain balance, and build healthy communication as your emerging-adult dancer navigates auditions and decisions.
You’ll leave with practical advice, talking points, and strategies to encourage your dancer’s growth while respecting their autonomy. Connect with peers and professionals! Chat one on one with peer high school coaches/directors, meet parents navigating similar paths, and build community.